The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-05-11
The Ultimate Determination of Which May
Exercise Far-Reaching Influence on
the Politics of That Commonwealth.
Figures Indicating a Possible Decline
in the Yield Of Winter Wheat.
A Connecticut Man Visits the Capital and Ac
quires Considerable Useful Informa-
tion-General Washington News.
WEST VIRGINIA sENAroRsH1P.

Political Complications That May Grow Out
of the Coming Contest.
Special to the Indianapolis journal.
WASHINGTON, May l0.-The action of the West
Virginia Legislature in eecting United States
Senator at a special session called for entirely
other purposes than such election, when the Gov
of State had, in the exercise of his pre-
rogative already appointed gentleman to the
place. Is going to arouse a contest of a peculiar
and perhaps unparalleled nature in the Senate of
of the United States when it reassembles in De-
cember There is telling how Iar-reaching in
its effects upon the future political complexion
of the State this action may prove to be. Sem
ator d. B. Lucas the Governors appointee, de-
clares that he will contest to the last the elec-
tion of Senator Charles James Faulkner. jr.. the
choice of the Legislature Senator Lucas will
have the advantage of having the certificate of
Governor Wilson's appointment at his back,
while Senator Faulkner has the moral force of
election and the more solid support or ex-
Senator Camden's millions behind him The de-
cision of the contest by a Republican Senate
will be watched with interest by the country.
Senator Sherman says that from the fact that
both candidates are Democrats there will be
no politics entering into the case But 1t
is for just that reason that politics will be the
more likely to rule the decision. The West Vir-
ginia Legislature meets every two years. and
will not reassemble, unless specially convened,
until 1885, after the presidential elections all
over and disposed Of If the senatorial seat Is
given, in the present contest. to Mr.. Lucas, he
only retain it for two years, the appoint
ment only holding good until the next session
of the Legislature. If, however, it is decided
that Mr.. Faulkner legally elected and the
seat is given TO him. he will hold it for the regu
lar term of six years. The Republicans are ex-
ceedingy anxious to capture West Virginia at
the next election, and preparing to make
strenuous efforts in that direction. and although
the Democrats hope to make a better showing
than they did the last time, they admit that the
Republicans will push them hard. If by any
chance the Republicans were to win and obtain
control of the Legislature they would, in tho
event of their colleagues in the United States
Senate seating the short-term man, Dir. Lucas,
be in position to elect two United States Sena-
tors of their own political complexion. and hav-
ing gained control. lr would not be easy
matter wrest their advantage from them. OF
course it is to be inferred that the Senate. in
passing upon the contest next December, will
decide it on It's merits. Incidentally therefore,
the determination of Mr.. Lucas to fight for his
seat NAV produce disastrous results for the
Democracy Of West Virginia.